APPLYING TO COLLEGES
Begin with your college list. Know WHERE you're applying, then organize HOW to apply.
You'll apply online through various application portals depending on your college list. Dates and deadlines will vary as well. Find a system that works for you to stay organized and on top of deadlines. Application Websites: Bookmark these websites & refer to excellent resources below:
Open August 1st, submit by November 30
One application to all UC campuses
Open October 1st, submit by November 30*
One application portal to all CSU campuses
*Some campuses may have extended deadlines, check the website directly
More than 1000 colleges + universities utilize the Common Application. Your online application portal to apply to multiple out of state and private universities.
More than 150 member colleges + universities utilize the Coalition Application. Deadlines vary.
Online application system for Texas colleges + universities. Deadlines vary. UT Austin and other Texas colleges are not also on the Common App.
Colleges' own application site
Some colleges give you the option to apply directly through their website. Create an account and follow deadlines, material submissions directly on the college's website. Note, if a college gives you multiple options (apply on the website, or Common Application, for example, choose the option that best fits you).
International University Admissions
Application portal for universities throughout the United Kingdom. Interested in international universities? Start with NACAC's Guide to International University Admission.
- You don’t need to know a foreign language!
There are 3000+ bachelor’s degree programs taught entirely in English-offered at universities in EU/EEA countries. There are even more options for master’s degree programs!
- College in Europe is much more affordable than you might think.
The average tuition for international students is right around $8,000 per year. There are hundreds of options under $4,000 per year and 50 that are tuition free-even for international students!
- There are transparent and attainable admissions requirements providing an escape from the US admission rat race.
College in Europe helps provide a competitive edge in the job market-not only due to the emphasis many schools have on internships, but also due to the development of soft skills that employers are seeking.
- College in Europe will change your life in ways you can’t even imagine!
Visual/Performing Arts
Interested in applying to art/dance/theater programs?
Compile your portfolio (photos, film, art, etc.) and have your coach/mentor/teacher give their professional feedback of your work
Get Personalized Feedback from the Portfolio Experts - AICAD Portfolio Review Portal: you to upload your artwork to receive feedback from AICAD institutions – the leading art & design schools in the US & Canada. This site is open to all students from 9th -12th grade!
Check out this great video for visual arts portfolio tips by Parsons
THE COLLEGE AUDITION PODCAST - Join us for chats with department chairs, faculty, and decision makers from some of the country’s most competitive theatre and musical theatre programs, as well as topical discussions with other industry professionals as it relates to the college audition process.
Connect with admission counselors in the fall
Every year, Palos Verdes High School hosts admission counselors representing a wide variety of universities. All students have access to listen to admission presentations, get to know their regional representative, and gain a better understanding of their college options. Students may view the visit schedule and register to attend visits in Schoolinks.
Understand which application cycle is right for you:
Early Decision (ED1): Early November application deadline, decisions by mid-December.
Binding: students may apply elsewhere but must withdraw all other applications if admitted in ED. Acceptance rates notably more favorable than in ED2 or RD. Widely available. You may only choose this option if you are aware of what your costs will be if admitted as you will not be able to compare costs/financial aid at other institutions since this is a binding "contract" where you, parent/guardian and counselor sign off that you understand these implications.
Early Decision II (ED2): Early January deadline, decisions by mid-February.
Binding: students may apply elsewhere but must withdraw all other applications if admitted in ED2. A second chance at ED. Acceptance rates more favorable than RD but not as advantageous as ED1. Becoming more widely available at some highly selective institutions. You must understand your costs if admitted as you will not have the opportunity to compare costs/financial aid with other institutions.
Early Action (EA): Usually November deadline, variable decision dates.
Non-binding: students can apply elsewhere and attend if admitted elsewhere. Acceptance rate advantage of EA differs widely among schools. Widely available.
Single Choice Early Action (SCEA): Deadline November 1, decisions by mid-December.
Non-binding, but students can apply to only one SCEA school and cannot apply elsewhere in ED or EA (except to international or public state universities). Slightly favorable admissions rates compared to RD. Offered by four extremely competitive schools: Harvard, Princeton, Yale, and Stanford as their alternative to ED.
Restrictive Early Action (REA): November deadline, decisions by mid-December.
Non-binding: students are restricted from applying to any other schools in ED but can apply to other EA schools. Variable acceptance rate advantage. Offered by only a few schools including Georgetown and Notre Dame.
Regular Decision (RD): Non-binding: Deadline usually in early January, later for some schools, decisions most commonly in late March. All selective schools receive vast number of RD applications, making the RD competition highly intense. Available everywhere.
